PENANG, 13 Feb 2009: Police have recorded statements from Umno supreme council member Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo and three Umno Youth leaders for taking part in an illegal gathering at Taman Belia here today.

They arrived at the Timur Laut Police District Headquarters at 3.15pm and left half-an-hour later.

Penang police chief Datuk Ayub Yaakob said 200 policemen were deployed to disperse the gathering and prevent any untoward incidents.

He said no permit was granted for the gathering.

Some 500 people took part in the gathering after Friday prayer. They intended to march to DAP chairperson Karpal Singh’s residence to hand over a memorandum to him but heeded the police advice to disperse.

Ayub warned political leaders not to hold rallies in the state as it would disrupt peace and cause fear among the people.

Speaking to reporters later, Mohamad Khir urged police to act on 200 reports lodged against Karpal Singh for uttering seditious remarks against the Sultan of Perak which contravened Clause 32 of the Federal Constitution. — Bernama